The College of Education is proud to celebrate our exceptional faculty members on their well-deserved promotions for the 2025-26 academic year. These dedicated educators and researchers exemplify excellence in their fields through their countless contributions to the University and the college.
Their work not only advances COE’s mission and values, but strengthens our community through world-class research, student mentorship and meaningful influence in the fields of education, health and sport. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued impact. Hook ’em!
Curriculum and Instruction
Kelly Cruise has been promoted to associate professor of practice. She also serves as a Field Experiences Placement Coordinator for Educator Preparation Services. Cruise’s background is in reading intervention and elementary education.
Jennifer Smith has been promoted to professor of instruction. She specializes in STEM teacher education in Texas, focusing on training preservice teachers in student- and community-centered approaches. A key contributor to the development of the UTeach program and teacher certification, Smith has taught mathematics at the elementary, secondary and university levels.
Tia Madkins has been promoted to associate professor with tenure. Her research focuses on equity-driven STEM education in urban contexts, with particular attention to the experiences of Black girls. Madkins previously worked as a graduate student researcher at UC Berkeley.
Cathery Yeh has been promoted to associate professor and also serves as an assistant professor in the Center for Asian American Studies. Her research explores the intersections of race, language and disability to provide a more nuanced understanding of mathematics ability in education systems.
Educational Psychology
Karen Rayne has been promoted to associate professor of instruction. With two decades of experience in sexuality education, her work examines various sexuality education programs and related teacher preparation. Rayne focuses on both evidence-informed and evidence-based approaches to enhance program efficacy.
Kinesiology and Health Education
Nicholas Enge has been promoted to senior lecturer. His research focuses on reconstructing and teaching social dance from the 19th century to the present. Enge also maintains the Library of Dance, a digital archive dedicated to social dance knowledge.
Esbelle Jowers has been promoted to associate professor of instruction. She serves as the director of the Exercise & Sport Psychology Laboratory, overseeing undergraduate and graduate research assistants. Jowers has worked with the Texas Department of State Health Services on various projects.
Lara Latimer has been promoted to associate professor of instruction. She teaches from a holistic health perspective, emphasizing mental health, meditation and stress management. In addition to her teaching position, Latimer operates a private coaching and consulting business.
Zoe Mantarakis has been promoted to associate professor of practice. With over 17 years of experience teaching yoga in the Austin community, she uses yoga as a comprehensive educational tool that extends beyond the physical practice.
Emily Sparvero has been promoted to professor of instruction. Her background includes development work in the athletic departments at UT Austin and Duke University, as well as collaboration with the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Sparvero’s research focuses on the economic impact of both participant and spectator sports events.
Galia Tzvetkov has been promoted to associate professor of practice. Her expertise includes introducing students to tennis and exploring the history and evolution of sport. Prior to joining UT, she was an adjunct faculty member at Austin Community College.
Hao-Wan Hsiao has been promoted to associate professor with tenure. His research examines the biomechanical and neuromuscular control mechanisms of human movement, with a particular focus on walking-related disabilities.
Special Education
Lauren Hampton has been promoted to associate professor with tenure. Her research focuses on enhancing early identification and interventions for young children with language and communication delays, as well as challenging behaviors, including children with autism and their families.
